“I don’t really see the problem, people get so touchy about things these days," Mr Webster said incredulously, adding that the sign has been displayed for three years.

The sign came to light after @mrnickharvey tweeted: "Since moving to Crowborough a year ago, a couple of people have told me of its racist underbelly, but nothing could prepare me for that," accompanied by a photo.

Former MP Louise Mensch then responded furiously to the post, adding: "Am from Wadhurst and Rotherfield. Never encountered any racists. This person/shop not representative. Disgusting."